The Halloween hike

“Trick or treat, smell my feet…”

We all remember that one don’t we? Unfortunately this awesome event/tradition of going door to door and getting treats has long been associated to only the youth?

Why is that?

I don’t know about you, but I’m all for trick or treating – at least the act of doing it. I can’t say I much support the idea of giving away sugary sweets and fattening treats, but having to haul your butt from doorstep to doorstep lugging around your basket / pillow case / bucket that holds all your prizes seems to be quite the novel way of burning off the needed calories and sneaking in some ‘fun’ for exercise? Don’t you think?

So why let the kids have all the fun?

I think this year, all the adults should put on the big-boy and big-girl shoes (dress up in your costume if you can) and go trick or treating. Yep, get out there and hike from doorstep to doorstep. You’d be surprised how exhausting in can be.

Here’s the catch though, only take the treats that are healthy.

I haven’t been trick or treating in decades. In fact, I don’t quite remember the last time I went, let alone how old I was or what my costume was? So, my hope is that these days households are getting smarter, and making more health-conscious choices about the treats they give and receive. I know everyone thinks it takes the fun out of the holiday, but neither is our obesity epidemic. This is the best time of the year to prove your resilience and commitment to better health for you and your family.

The obesity epidemic is running rampant in our communities. It’s rolling over and knocking down our youth these days. Everything from an increase in weight, higher prevalence of diabetes, to the emergence of children developing adult-type illnesses like heart disease are starting to rob our youth of their youth.

Get out there, get moving and have fun! Be the healthy role model our youth need!

Be careful out there this holiday season for you and your loved ones.